Color:

Life Span:

Breed Profile

Affection Level

Barking Tendencies

Cat Friendly

Cold Weather Tolerance

Exercise Needs

General Health

Grooming Needs

Hot Weather Tolerance

Intelligence

Kid Friendly

Playfulness

Shedding Level

Social Needs

Watchdog Ability

Did You Know?

There are only about 1,200 Swedish Lapphunds in the world.

Swedish Lapphund Overview

The Swedish Lapphund is another ancient spitz-type breed originating in Lapland of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. The breed followed their semi-nomadic owners of the Sami tribe and helped protect them and hunt reindeer. As the tribes settled, the breed instead switched to herding reindeer until the need decreased. The breed is no longer an active herder, but a companion instead.

Swedish Lapphund Characteristics

The Lapphund features characteristics that make it look almost like a large Schipperke. They feature the typical over the back curled tail, plush coat and pricked ears that make up most Spitz-breeds. The Lapphund also has a sweet open-faced “smile” when he pants, giving him a friendly appearance. While the coat comes in multiple colors, black is the most common.

Swedish Lapphund Temperament

Lapphunds use their versatility to their advantage, making them great learners as both family pets and working dogs. They love people who are as adventurous and outdoorsy as them, and do well in active families. The breed is also used for several working jobs in which he excels. Lapphunds, like many Spitz dogs, may be very vocal at times.

Swedish Lapphund Care

The breed lives on average 12 to 15 years, typical for this size of dog. Health concerns include epilepsy, progressive retinal atrophy, and hip dysplasia. Good veterinary care, as well as careful testing and selection of breeding parents, can help reduce incidence of disease in litters and promote healthy puppies.

Swedish Lapphund Coat

The plush coat of the Lapphund is double-coated like other Nordic breeds, and should be brushed regularly. The breed is a heavy shedder and so requires ample brushing to prevent piles of loose hair from forming around the environment. Brushing with a grooming or shedding brush will help reduce some of the excess hair.

Swedish Lapphund Training

The Lapphund is eager to please and picks up on training methods quickly. Positive reinforcement will help him to pick up any task, and his versatile nature helps him excel at any job. Lapphunds do well with a job, be it herding, hunting, or performing in dog sports such as obedience trials or agility.

Swedish Lapphund Activity

This is a breed that needs a lot of exercise to be happy. Long walks, jogs, outdoor activities and other active tasks are critical to the health and well-being of the Lapphund. This dog does best with a family that is as active and outgoing as he is, or else he may develop bad and destructive habits.